Speyside region – 56.9% ABV – $120
Hey! It’s been a while since I went on a whisk(e)y speed date!
I guess Kilchoman’s 3rd edition of 100% Islay took up a good chunk of my time. You will be missed, baby. But, onward and upward.
It wasn’t meant to be, you and me. I have a date with this here Glenburgie.
The shadchanim told me they have cask strength Speysider with lots of promise and I just “need to meet her!”
Let’s see… are we meant to be?
On the nose (Date # 1) – Wow, what a mixture of scents hitting me from all around! Let’s start off with a light toastiness that is verging on lightly peated with hints of almonds.
With a burst of pumpkin spices (cardamom, nutmeg and ginger), this is quite autumnal. Add to this some boiled and baked apples with a dash or three of cinnamon, for good measure… Who needs a sweater when you have this whisky?
Wow, I just thought of a term I haven’t thought of since high school: sweater melons. Jeez, young boys comes up with the silliest of terms… Sorry ladies! It’s the kind of term that makes you cringe a little, isn’t it?
There’s a lovely pungency that seems to be sherry cask driven. Also, salted licorice. So far, so yum.
Ah, sherry, what a lovey girl she be!
On the mouth (Date # 2 This girl is intriguing and she has yet to tell me “hey buddy, my eyes are up here!”) – Big and spicy, verging on hot but I do not see a need to reach for water. Quite salty with anise seed and damp licorice root.
Jalepeno pickled pineapple and a hint of clean pool water. Great mouth feel (in case you were wondering). Barbecued and stewed carrots.
Finish (Date # 3: The deciding factor) – Long and spicy with a gooseberry burst-type tartness.
In sum (The decision) – I enjoy her spirit and over all, am overjoyed to have dated a fall-type whisky that wasn’t over-sherried or over oaked (read: totally full of herself). We shall date again. Now to find a theater that is showing The Goonies…
Special thanks to the folks at ImpEx for the sample!